Barbicambarus simmonsi

Barbicambarus simmonsi
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Crustacea
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Decapoda
Family: Cambaridae
Genus: Barbicambarus
Species: B. simmonsi
Binomial name
Barbicambarus simmonsi
Taylor & Schuster, 2010

Barbicambarus simmonsi is a species of giant crayfish discovered in southern Tennessee in 2010.[1][2] The discovery was announced in January 2011.[2]

The animal was discovered in Shoal Creek, a stream in southern Tennessee that ultimately drains into the Tennessee River.[3] The first specimen was discovered by and named for Tennessee Valley Authority scientist Jeffrey Simmons in 2010.[1] University of Illinois aquatic biologist Christopher A. Taylor and Guenter A. Schuster of Eastern Kentucky University found a second specimen and authored the paper announcing the discovery of the new species.[1][2] The creek has been studied for half a century, so this species is believed to be rare.[4] Taylor further suggests that discovery of such a large species there now indicates that more money should be spent on research inside the United States.[2]

Further reading

References

  1. 1 2 3 "New Giant Crayfish Found Under Tenn. Rock". Discovery News. January 20, 2011. Retrieved June 20, 2011.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Maggie Fox; Eric Walsh (ed.) (January 19, 2011). "Giant crayfish found in Tennessee is new species". Yahoo! News. Reuters. Retrieved January 20, 2011.
  3. Diana Yates (January 19, 2011). "Biologists discover giant crayfish species right under their noses". University of Illinois. Retrieved January 20, 2011.
  4. Michael Marshall (January 19, 2011). "Whopping crayfish species stayed hidden for decades". Short Sharp Science. New Scientist.


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